Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of
duty, at Rechicourt, France. On 27 September 1944, during a sharp action with the enemy
infantry and tank forces, 1st Lt. Fields personally led his platoon in a counterattack on
the enemy position. Although his platoon had been seriously depleted, the zeal and fervor
of his leadership was such as to inspire his small force to accomplish their mission in
the face of overwhelming enemy opposition. Seeing that 1 of the men had been wounded, he
left his slit trench and with complete disregard for his personal safety attended the
wounded man and administered first aid. While returning to his slit trench he was
seriously wounded by a shell burst, the fragments of which cut through his face and head,
tearing his teeth, gums, and nasal passage. Although rendered speechless by his wounds,
1st Lt. Fields refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his platoon by the use of
hand signals. On 1 occasion, when 2 enemy machineguns had a portion of his unit under
deadly crossfire, he left his hole, wounded as he was, ran to a light machinegun, whose
crew had been knocked out, picked up the gun, and fired it from his hip with such deadly
accuracy that both the enemy gun positions were silenced. His action so impressed his men
that they found new courage to take up the fire fight, increasing their firepower, and
exposing themselves more than ever to harass the enemy with additional bazooka and
machinegun fire. Only when his objective had been taken and the enemy scattered did 1st
Lt. Fields consent to be evacuated to the battalion command post. At this point he refused
to move further back until he had explained to his battalion commander by drawing on paper
the position of his men and the disposition of the enemy forces. The dauntless and gallant
heroism displayed by 1st Lt. Fields were largely responsible for the repulse of the enemy
forces and contributed in a large measure to the successful capture of his battalion
objective during this action. His eagerness and determination to close with the enemy and
to destroy him was an inspiration to the entire command, and are in the highest traditions
of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Citation Courtesy of www.HomeOfHeroes.com

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